Leaving next month for Crete. Question for those who rented vehicles, is this driving permit needed? If so, where in the states do you obtain one?
Thanks!

An IDP isn't 'required' in Greece, however it isn't a bad idea to have one. Since most rental agencies are franchises they may make up their own rules. You can get IDPs at most any AAA office.

In my experience, rental car agencies have never, not ever, over decades of traveling, not once asked for an IDP, even if it is a legal requirement in their country.
The folks who may/will care are the police.

If as janis says an IDP isn't required, then I personally would not waste the time or effort to get one. The IDP simply translates the US DL info into many languages, and the important info on a DL such as name, DOB, expiration, address are all hard to not understand....

Well, I've been asked for my IDP once or twice. Not in Greece, that I remember, but I won't swear to it. Easy to get, not expensive, better IMO than being stuck without one when it is needed. JMO.

Kja, may we know the reasons or circumstances under which you were asked for your IDP?

If I could recall them, I would happily provide them! Once when picking a car up, but I can't say where or when. Just not something to which I paid attention! Once when turning a car in with minor damage. That was in Bucharest. Apparently, the rental agency needed to file a police report and, IIRC, it was easier to obtain info from the IDP than my actual license. Once in Portugal when I apparently entered a roundabout inappropriately. Police who didn't speak English stopped me and perused my IDP for quite a while before sending me on my way.

We were asked for our IDPs last November in Turin. First time we’ve ever been asked. Fortunately, we both had them as Auto Europe clearly stated in our reservation that it was required. The car was from Europcar. We pick up a car at CDG in a couple weeks, it will be interesting to see if we are asked for it there.

A few years back there was a claim a tourist had their car totalled by a drunk driver. The insurance company washed their hands because they didn't have an IDP. The rental company wanted the car paid for by the renter.

This was in Italy.

But the point is your insurance requires you to have a valid license. In countries that require an IDP you need an IDP.

For Greece
https://gr.usembassy.gov/drivers-lic...cle%20accident.

OK will check into it with AAA. As always, thank you!